Guru Dakshina: Eklavya and the Buddha

Guru Dakshina: Eklavya and the Buddha

By Janpha Thadphoothon

If anything, this is one of those moments when I realized something profound. This very idea of paying for what you have learned from your guru or teacher is such a meaningful concept. I am a teacher of English, and the more I think about the fees students pay, the more I reflect on my roles and responsibilities and the cultural aspects of the teacher-pupil relationship.

I once lodged a room in Nepal with a scholar from Northern India, and I had a chance to converse with him. I found it hard to comprehend some of what he was saying, but we got on quite well. He told me about Indian literature, including the Ramayana and Mahabharata, and many other works. I reckoned the man, much older than I, was a well-read teacher, and I had learned a lot from him. I said jokingly to him, "Oh, Sir, you are my guru." He looked at me, smiled, and told me about what it meant to call someone your guru and ask them to accept that role. I must admit that, at that time, I did not know much about Guru Dakshina.

Our conversation that day stayed with me for a long time, and I had the urge to learn more about it. The concept of Guru Dakshina is not entirely new to me as a Thai teacher. In Thai culture, we respect teachers and honor them. We have the saying Kha Kru or "The Payment for the Teachers" as well. I have often wondered whether this originated from India or not.

Origins and Significance of Guru Dakshina

It is well known that Guru Dakshina is a traditional Indian practice rooted in ancient spiritual and educational traditions. It represents a gesture of gratitude offered by a student (shishya) to their guru (teacher) in return for the knowledge and wisdom imparted. The concept is deeply embedded in the Guru-Shishya Parampara (teacher-student tradition) of Indian culture, emphasizing respect, reverence, and a bond of obligation.

Etymology and Philosophical Meaning

The term is derived from Sanskrit: "Guru," meaning teacher, and "Dakshina," meaning offering or gift. Guru Dakshina symbolizes more than a material gift; it acknowledges the teacher’s invaluable role in shaping the student’s mind and character. It also reflects the student's willingness to honor their teacher and the teachings with sincerity and devotion.

Historical and Mythological Context

In ancient India, knowledge, especially spiritual and philosophical teachings, was often transmitted orally in gurukuls (residential schools run by gurus). Guru Dakshina was a means for students to express gratitude once their education was complete.

A famous example is found in the Mahabharata, where the great archer Eklavya, who self-learned archery inspired by Dronacharya (a renowned teacher), offers his thumb as Guru Dakshina. Although controversial, the story underscores the depth of commitment and reverence that Guru Dakshina symbolizes.

Prince Siddhartha’s Journey

As we know, Prince Siddhartha, who later became Ascetic Siddhartha and ultimately the Gautama Buddha, also had teachers until he began searching for the truth on his own. As a young prince, he learned everything necessary for a king of his time—literacy, Vedic philosophy, ethics, administration, wrestling, fencing, archery, horse riding, martial arts, and more—under a royal teacher named Sabbamitta. By the time he renounced his palatial life as the crown prince of Kapilavastu, he was a highly sophisticated individual, well-versed in the knowledge and expertise required for governance and society.

After leaving his royal life, Siddhartha met three teachers consecutively: Alara Kalama, Uddaka Ramaputta, and Bhaggawa. Under their guidance, he mastered various practices and philosophies essential for ascetic life. Yet, he was dissatisfied with what he achieved and began experimenting with self-mortification. Ultimately, he discovered the efficacy of the middle path in his journey toward enlightenment.

I am not sure, but I guess the Buddha may have paid Guru Dakshina to his teachers when he was a prince. Nevertheless, it is my belief that everything he learned from his teachers prepared him for his self-made endeavor. He was so humble that, after attaining enlightenment, he looked for his teachers to share his realization with them. Upon finding that they had passed away, he honored the Bodhi tree by gazing at it for seven days in gratitude for the shelter it provided during his efforts.

Comparing Eklavya and the Buddha

People say that Eklavya’s story of self-learning archery draws some parallels to the Buddha’s journey. Both individuals demonstrated exceptional determination and discipline in their quests. However, the Buddha’s enlightenment was claimed to be entirely self-attained, whereas Eklavya’s achievements were inspired by his devotion to Dronacharya. My conviction is that the Buddha’s path highlights a distinct discourse between Hinduism and Buddhism, emphasizing self-reliance and the middle path as opposed to strict adherence to external guidance.

Guru Dakshina has evolved significantly over time, taking various forms to suit different eras. In ancient times, it often involved material offerings such as gold, cattle, or other valuables, reflecting the student’s capacity. Alternatively, it could take the form of service or knowledge sharing, where students dedicated themselves to serving their guru or propagating their teachings. In the modern context, Guru Dakshina is largely metaphorical, manifesting as acts of gratitude, respect, or financial contributions to teachers or educational institutions.

Cultural and Ethical Implications

In my opinion, Guru Dakshina reflects the immense value placed on education and the teacher’s role in society. It promotes the idea that the transfer of knowledge is a sacred act, requiring humility and acknowledgment from the learner. At the same time, it reminds both guru and student of their ethical responsibilities.

Relevance Today

I think that while Guru Dakshina in its traditional sense is less common in modern educational systems, the spirit of showing gratitude to teachers remains relevant. Whether through respect, awards, or simple gestures of appreciation, the essence of Guru Dakshina continues to inspire us to honor those who guide our learning and growth.

This timeless tradition serves as a reminder of the profound connection between knowledge, gratitude, and personal development. It is my personal belief that such practices hold lessons for all of us, regardless of culture or background. What we all know and agree upon is that education is transformative, and the bond between teacher and student is sacred. The news has it that we often overlook these values in our fast-paced world, but perhaps traditions like Guru Dakshina can remind us of their importance.

I like the idea of reflecting on how ancient practices can inform modern education. Guru Dakshina is a symbol of gratitude, respect, and the enduring impact of a teacher’s wisdom. 

My room-sharing with that Indian guru made me realize how vital it is to open our minds, learn from others, appreciate diversity, and practice humility. At times, we fail to recognize the profound significance of certain experiences in the moment, only to later discover their life-changing impact. 

As they say, "A teacher’s influence lasts a lifetime."

Janpha Thadphoothon is an assistant professor of ELT at the International College, Dhurakij Pundit University in Bangkok, Thailand. Janpha Thadphoothon also holds a certificate of Generative AI with Large Language Models issued by DeepLearning.AI.